France lie in wait for England December 2, 2009 ENGLAND could face heavyweights France in the group stages of next summer’s World Cup after governing body Fifa whipped up controversy with their seedings for tomorrow’s draw. Fabio Capello’s men were confirmed yesterday as one of the top eight teams at the tournament, meaning they will avoid favourites Spain and Brazil at the first hurdle. [...]
Fifa to mull replays and five-referee proposals December 2, 2009 GOVERNING body Fifa has rejected proposals to use five referees in each game at the 2010 World Cup but dropped the strongest hint yet that major rule changes could be on the horizon. The handball by France striker Thierry Henry that helped eliminate the Republic of Ireland in last month’s play-off prompted fresh calls for [...]
Technology will come, in time December 2, 2009 THIS week, I’ve had the pleasure of being in the company of the world’s leading football figures, at the Soccer Ex business convention in Johannesburg. Being here has been a real eye-opener for me, and made me realise just what a global institution football is. Business leaders converging from all sectors and from all over [...]
Henry facing World Cup ban for Ireland handball December 2, 2009 FRANCE striker Thierry Henry could be banned for the start of the World Cup after governing body Fifa opened a disciplinary investigation into his infamous handball against the Republic of Ireland. The incident was discussed by Fifa at a specially-convened meeting yesterday in Cape Town, and although president Sepp Blatter insisted a ban was not [...]
I have let my family down, says Woods December 2, 2009 WORLD No1 Tiger Woods has admitted letting down his family by committing “personal sins”, following fresh speculation about his private life. The world’s highest paid sportsman has been the subject of frenzied media attention since crashing his car near his Florida home in the early hours of Friday morning. Woods, 33, suffered only facial injuries [...]
Jones’ shock KO leaves career in tatters December 2, 2009 THE LEGENDARY career of nine-time world champion Roy Jones Jr is in tatters after he was knocked out by Australia’s Danny Green in the first round of their cruiserweight title fight. Jones, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in history, lasted just two minutes and two seconds before being stopped by defending [...]
Prior: We won’t be letting South Africa off the hook December 2, 2009 MATT PRIOR insists England will be going for the jugular as they look to secure an impressive one-day series victory over South Africa. England’s victory in Port Elizabeth last Friday means they can now not lose the series with the final day-nighter taking place at Kingsmead tomorrow. But wicketkeeper Prior insists there will be no [...]
Roberts lines up for Barbarians December 2, 2009 RUGBY UNION: Centre Jamie Roberts will get the chance to exact revenge over New Zealand when he lines up for the Barbarians in their autumn fixture at Twickenham on Saturday. Roberts was part of the Wales side which narrowly lost 19-12 to the All Blacks last month and lines up alongside a strong Baa Baas [...]
Eastmond bags new Saints deal December 2, 2009 RUGBY LEAGUE: Kyle Eastmond has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with St Helens. The England half-back, 20, is seen as the natural replacement for Sean Long once he moves to Hull.